A foster family is a place were the children do not live with their parents, but still need a place to stay and be cared for by people who are foster parents. They stay for a while, not always a permanent home.
Common Problems:
Foster children may have emotional problems, from being taken from their parents.
May take a while to find the child a permanent home.
Foster children may feel responsible for being taken away from birth parents.
Statistics:
In the year 2009 there were about 255,418 children being placed in foster care. (Foster care statistics 2009, pg. 3)
In the year 2009, 276,266 children were found permanent homes. (Foster care statistics 2009, pg. 5)
51 percent were reunited with parent(s) or primary caretaker(s)
20 percent were adopted
11 percent were emancipated
8 percent went to live with another relative
7 percent went to live with a guardian
3 percent had other outcomes
The average amount of time spent in foster care is about 13.7 months.
13 percent in care less than 1 month
33 percent in care for 1 to 11 months
24 percent in care for 12 to 23 months
12 percent in care for 24 to 35 months
10 percent in care for 3 to 4 years
7 percent in care for 5 or more years
Parents (tips for foster parents):
Remember that the child might not be with you forever.
Be able to be there for the child, who might be feeling angry or upset about their situation.
http://www.ytfg.org/documents/241_452.pdf another link for teachers. This link will help the teacher help the foster child succeed in school or give teachers reasons why the foster child should be expected to excel like the other students.
Families with Foster Children
Description:
Common Problems:
Statistics:
Parents (tips for foster parents):
Students
Teachers:
Sources: